5 last-minute ways to celebrate Mardi Gras in Atlanta

By

Avery Newmark, For the AJC

You might be familiar with Mardi Gras as the crazy, bead throwing street party in New Orleans that it is, but the colorful all-night ode to letting the good times roll has a footprint her in Atlanta, too.

So, the combined force of the Atlantans with those Big Easy roots or just an affinity for Fat Tuesday, which is March 5, make it a must that Atlanta deliver plenty of ways to celebrate Mardi Gras — even for those that didn’t plan ahead.

From pop-ups to babies in the king cake, here are five easy, last-minute ways to celebrate Mardi Gras 2019 in Atlanta:

If you're on Monroe, and asking yourself, "who dat?," the answer is probably the Mardi Gras pop-up themed bar at Tapa Tapa, the same space that hosts the Instagram-able Christmas pop-up Miracle on Monroe. From now until March 5, you can enjoy New Orleans classics such as shrimp and oyster po'boys, jambalaya, crawfish beignets, and alligator bites. Pair these bayou classics with New Orleans-inspired drinks and Mardi beads and you'll be ready to hop in the photo booth.

It's Mardi Gras Season at Bon Ton; no trip to New Orleans needed, just grab some friends and bring 'em to this Midtown watering hole serving up NOLA vibes year round. Bon Ton has even rolled out a specialty drink menu just for Mardi Gras, inspired by famous New Orleans "Krewes" Rex and Zulu. The classic favorite king cake will be served daily, if you find the hidden baby in your cake, you'll win a gift certificate. Surprises, beads, and drinks culminate on Fat Tuesday, March 5, with a party including a crawfish boil, DJ's, and giveaways.

Get down like a ragin' cajun for Mardi Gras at Sidebar. With $2 tequila, $5 fireball and Jagermeister until midnight and club bangers all night spun by DJ JWattz, the Mardi Gras festivities at the downtown Atlanta sports bar promise good bayou vibes.

Mardi Gras season will kick off at the Battery this weekend. This indoor/outdoor event will feature everything NOLA. From jazz music and Cajun food to themed cocktails and of course, those wonderful beads.

Sign up for the Marietta Mardi Gras 5k!

Photo: Courtesy of Junior League of Cobb Marietta's Facebook page/For the AJC

Marietta Square is hosting a festive, family-friendly race for everyone, in Mardi Gras-style. No matter where you're at in your health journey, odds are you can run or walk in either the 5K, the 1K, or take your young ones for a stroll in the Tot Trot. While you're there, catch some live music, feast with king cake, enjoy face painting and so much more.

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